Our first step in Expansion came from the Louisiana Purchase.
The Mississippi River became the chief trade channel for the states it bordered. Eventually, the government became interested at the southern port, New Orleans. Jefferson soon began sending representatives over to Paris. The French owned New Orleans, as well as a large portion of the land west of there.
Napoleon was in power during this time. He wanted to make his presence in North America at the time. However, a distracting war was burning a hole in his pocket, not to mention putting off plans in America. He had no choice but to let all the land go. Napoleon offered to sell all that land instead of just New Orleans. With Congress approving with a vote of 24-7, the Louisiana Purchase was finalized on April 30, 1803. The states spent $15 Million ($283 Million today) on 828,000 square miles.
I picked this topic because it was the first ever attempt at expansion by the USA.
Napoleon was in power during this time. He wanted to make his presence in North America at the time. However, a distracting war was burning a hole in his pocket, not to mention putting off plans in America. He had no choice but to let all the land go. Napoleon offered to sell all that land instead of just New Orleans. With Congress approving with a vote of 24-7, the Louisiana Purchase was finalized on April 30, 1803. The states spent $15 Million ($283 Million today) on 828,000 square miles.
I picked this topic because it was the first ever attempt at expansion by the USA.